I’ve just come away from a university, where I spent three years studying hard, partying equally as hard, and living care-free away from parents. Now I’m back at home, desperately trying to find a full-time job in a country where finding a job is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. If, like me, you are in that weird transition between finishing college and are unsure about your future, here are my tips on how to keep sane whilst job-hunting/planning what you are going to do next/generally having a huge panic!

1. TAKE A BREAK: Try not to spend each day job-hunting; it’s so depressing when you realize that it’s 9 p.m. and you’ve missed a day of sunshine because you’ve been shut away, scouring the internet and hunting through newspapers for jobs. Make sure you set aside some days to do things you really enjoy; sunbathe, see your girlfriends, or go to the movies. Balance is key, and it’s much better to take some time for yourself instead of driving yourself insane by spending all of your time in front your laptop!

2. VOLUNTEER: Volunteering is so rewarding. Nothing beats ending a day realizsing that you’ve made a difference. Check out the local charities in your area and see if they need any help at their fundraising drives or in their office. Not only will you be making a difference for a good cause, you’ll feel so good about yourself, and potential employers will notice it; it’s the little things like volunteering that will set you apart from the rest of the job-seeking crowd.

3. TRAVEL: If you’re not ready to settle into a 9-5 job just yet, travelling is definitely the best option. There are so many places in the world to explore — head to Europe for amazing food, Asia for the ultimate party, and Oz for the travel experience of your life. Don’t have enough cash to splash on an international holiday? Head to a state you’ve never visited before, or explore places in your town or city that you never knew existed.

4. KEEP POSITIVE: Although I’m majorly stressing about my lack of a job and the resulting lack of money, I try to keep in mind that one day, the perfect job will come along. It might take time, but just remember, there are thousands of people out there just like you, who are in exactly the same position. If you go for an interview and don’t get the job, don’t be disheartened; ask the interviewer for some feedback on how you could do better next time. If you apply for jobs and don’t hear back from them at all, just think; do I want want to work somewhere that won’t even acknowledge my job application?

It’s easy to get frustrated and spend your time reminiscing about your college life, but unfortunately, it’s time to grow up! Instead of getting down about the end of college, get excited about the next chapter of your life; just remember, new job = new experiences, new friends, and lots more fun memories for you to treasure (and more money to spend on clothes!).